OMG! Have you been SHOT? If you haven’t, you should. It’s that time again. Flu season is already upon us and the prospects aren’t good. You can be immunized with the vaccine at your family physician’s office and at most pharmacies (Rite Aid even gives a free ice cream cone to ease any anxieties).
AND, be sure to inquire about the high-dose vaccine if you’re over 65. Fluzone has been to be more effective, according to the Center for Disease Control. The CDC urges everyone who is at least 6 months old to get an annual flu shot, and says seniors and infants are at particular risk.
Although the vaccine may provide only limited protection, health officials say it is better than nothing.
Get it the habit of washing your hands more often, clean your cell phone screen, use anti-bacterial lotions, keep your fingers out of your eyes, (and nose) and use a fist bump instead of shaking hands. Hard to stay away from germs but you can try.
Not a bad idea on your next telephone call to Mom and Dad, and the kids away at school, to remind then to get their shots, too.
ALSO, for those very special individuals over 65, make sure you are up-to-date with pneumococcal vaccines, which help prevent pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. People with the flu are more likely to develop pneumonia.
Don’t stop now if you’re over 65. Ever talked to someone who’s suffered from Shingles? It ain’t fun as I’m sure you’ve been told. Now there’s a new version of the vaccine, a two-part dose that’s more effective than the previous version.
Well worth the time to get them if you want to avoid this nasty ailment.
CONGRATULATIONS are in order for the Niguel Shores residents who were certified at our AED/CPR/First Aid class at the Clubhouse in late September. THUMBS UP and SMART MOVE.
PLEASE make it a PRIORITY to VOTE this Tuesday. It’s really a privilege and it’s also in our job description as citizens Lastly—I teach a class every Thursday at Orange County Adult Care Services. Our first exercise every morning? SMILE . . . It’s the best move to start your day.
—Kent Wellbrock
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